Aug 27, 2013

05:21 AM

A Guilford business owner offered to sell high-end custom musical instruments on consignment, but failed to provide the sale proceeds or return the consigned items, police say.

More people are now coming forward with complaints against Fine Violins Ltd. owner Charles Magby Jr., arrested last Friday on first-degree larceny charges, while the state Attorney General’s Office confirmed Monday it has two open cases against him.

Magby, 63, has operated a business in town and in New York for several years, police said Monday in a written statement.

Magby could not be reached for comment Monday.

His arrest came after he had offered to sell high-end custom violins, cellos, bows and similar items on consignment, but failed to provide the sale proceeds or return the consigned items, the statement said.

The instruments were valued from $3,000 to more than $100,000, the statement said.

Magby, of Stepstone Hill Road, was arrested on a warrant after turning himself in Friday at police headquarters.